Stu Simpson

Stu Simpson is a Canadian pilot and writer specializing in aviation topics. He started flying in 1986 on ultralight aircraft, eventually earning a Canadian UL commercial license, flight instructor’s permit, recreational pilot permit, and in 2013, his private pilot’s license. Stu has written for aviation publications in Canada, the US and Australia. He has owned six airplanes, built one, and rebuilt or heavily modified three more. Stu lives in Calgary, Alberta, and has flown throughout western Canada and the US, including flying his Merlin ultra-light to San Francisco and back. To read more of Stu’s articles, visit http://crufc.ca/articles/.

What are you willing to risk? It’s a question at the heart of everything we do as pilots. Obviously, we’re willing to take a few risks or we wouldn’t be flying at all. Fact is that flying is a gazillion times safer than many other activities. It’s also a fact that it can be terribly unforgiving of errors or carelessness compared to other hobbies.

Cross-country flying in the Cavalier is among the most enjoyable and satisfying time I’ve spent in my life. The Cav has allowed me to range farther across this continent than I could have done with any other plane I’ve owned. I’ve learned that it’s somehow important to me to explore far away places in my own plane.

“Lights, camera, action!” I recite to no one but me. It’s my final mantra before takeoff in my Cavalier. Nav and strobe lights on, transponder to ALT, and power up to go. Gladys, my instructor, taught me that.

Most stories start out leading the reader step by step to the climax or high point of the tale. Not this one. So here’s your spoiler alert. The next sentence you read takes all the mystery out of my story. I nearly had an aircraft accident.

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